Mo’unga, Goodhue primed for action
Scott Robertson has no reason to gripe.
The Crusaders sit top of the Super Rugby log, although archrivals the Hurricanes have a game in hand and trail by a point, but only those blinded by red and black mists of loyalty could argue the titleholders are operating like a clinical winning machine.
The 21-8 win over the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend was more a reflection of the Crusaders’ tenacity, especially when reduced to 13 men in the second half, than their smooth combinations and irresistible attack.
Maybe the return of first fiveeighth Richie Mo’unga and centre Jack Goodhue from their respective jaw and hamstring injuries, for the next match against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night, will result in a decline in errors and more cohesion with the ball.
Coach Scott Robertson said Mo’unga and Goodhue were ‘‘medically clear and available’’ for selection.
Robertson accepts his players have been far from flawless in their seven wins from nine games, but sees little reason to complain after five straight victories; he argues a range of factors must be taken into consideration when assessing performances.
‘‘Look, we are just finding ways to win. We know it’s not going to be perfect,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘Like last year, when we had a lot of come-from-behind wins. It is going to look different, it is going to feel different.
‘‘We have got a couple of different players – we have just got to find ways to keep learning and winning. It is a combination of everything.’’
Things could have got tricky when Scott Barrett and Ryan Crotty were yellow carded within minutes of each other in Canberra. The injuries to Tim Perry and Israel Dagg in the first spell could have also spelled disaster, but their replacements, Wyatt Crockett and Manasa Mataele, were among the Crusaders’ best.
Most, if not all, coaches plan in advance which means attempting to select potential teams several Scott Robertson
weeks beyond the immediate game. Injuries, however, often force plans to be trashed. Robertson also has to ensure his All Blacks are spelled from two games in the regular season.
‘‘We have got a couple of players coming back and then you have got your All Blacks to be rested,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘So there is a real art to it. But the boys care and are fighting for each other. That is what you look for as a coach, and then you just build momentum until the end of the season.’’
Robertson will name his side to face the Rebels tomorrow. If veteran second-five Ryan Crotty is selected it would be a massive boost, given his resilience and ability to provide leadership.
Crotty copped a battering against the Brumbies, and his refusal to surrender wasn’t overlooked by his boss: ‘‘He got a bang on the knee, and a bang on the shoulder but he was incredible,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘His vision and ability to make those crosskicks. Just that calmness and his combination with Tim Bateman has been superb for us.’’
The Rebels’ have had a modest season, with four wins and five losses but are expected to select Wallabies halfback Will Genia for this fixture.
Following the match in Canberra the Crusaders elected to remain in Australia. They travelled by bus to Sydney, and will fly to Melbourne tomorrow.
‘‘With the six-day turnaround, flying home on a Sunday and then flying back to Australia on the Wednesday – that takes its toll. So we took the opportunity to head up to [Sydney suburb] Coogee. It just helps break the week up,’’ Robertson said.